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Prediction of radiological outcome in early rheumatoid arthritis in clinical practice: role of antibodies to citrullinated peptides (anti-CCP)

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the role of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (anti-CCP) for the prediction of radiological outcome in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis.

Methods: Anti-CCP was assessed at baseline in 379 patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (disease duration <1 year). Radiological joint damage and progression were assessed by Larsen score after two years of follow up (end point) and used as outcome variables. The prognostic value of anti-CCP and other demographic and disease related baseline variables were assessed by univariate and multivariate analyses, including calculation of odds ratios (OR), predictive values, and multiple logistic regression models.

Results: The presence of anti-CCP was associated with significantly higher Larsen score both at baseline and at end point. Univariate predictor analysis showed that anti-CCP had the highest significant OR for radiological joint damage and progression after baseline Larsen score, followed by rheumatoid factor, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C reactive protein, age, smoking status, and sex. In stepwise multiple regression analyses, baseline Larsen score, anti-CCP, and ESR were selected as significant independent predictors of the radiological outcomes.

Conclusions: There is good evidence for an association of anti-CCP with radiological joint changes in rheumatoid arthritis. Anti-CCP is an independent predictor of radiological damage and progression. Though prediction in early rheumatoid arthritis is still far from perfect, the use of anti-CCP in clinical practice should make it easier for rheumatologists to reach judicious treatment decisions.

  • AKA, antikeratin antibody
  • AFA, antifilaggrin antibody
  • APF, antiperinuclear factor
  • BARFOT, better anti-rheumatic farmacotherapy study
  • CCP, cyclic citrullinated peptides
  • DAS, disease activity score
  • DMARD, disease modifying antirheumatic drug
  • HAQ, health assessment questionnaire
  • ICC, intraclass correlation coefficient
  • NPV, negative predictive value
  • PPV, positive predictive value
  • RF, rheumatoid factor
  • VAS, visual analogue scale
  • rheumatoid arthritis
  • cyclic citrullinated peptides
  • rheumatoid factor
  • Larsen score

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